I would like to express my support for the AWARE program in Clark County. They have been an important part of my curriculum for many years. AWARE fills a unique need in public schools by offering balanced, accurate and engaging presentations. These presentations are much more professional and well-put-together than I can do as a teacher with limited time to develop curriculum and examine research on the topics they cover. I know that they keep current and accurate information in their presentations.
I have found the AWARE program to be extremely successful in presenting information to my high school students. The quality of AWARE presentations is consistently excellent. I can always count on the speaker to be engaging, prepared and on time. My students are never bored during a presentation and they develop a trusting relationship with each speaker. AWARE is truly a quality organization and I believe they should speak to every high school student in Clark County.
I am particularly passionate about the Illusions presentation. In recent years I have become increasingly aware that pornography has become normalized among my students. They openly admit to viewing pornography on cable television and the Internet. Many students believe that this is a healthy and accurate way to receive sexuality education and information and that it’s just fun with no consequences to their lives. They see nothing wrong with pornography and believe that it is a normal activity to engage in. Many students are shocked to find out that pornography is addicting and can ruin relationships and families.
I frequently have students tell me that the information they learned from AWARE has changed their behavior and their attitudes about sex, marriage and abstinence and pornography. One student commented recently that she had never been presented with information regarding abstinence before in her whole life. She wished she had heard AWARE when she was younger. I hear comments like this regularly. I see the AWARE program changing the lives of my students for the better!
– High School Teacher, Vancouver, WA
I have had the AWARE program present to my health for over the past ten years. The program provides valuable information that presents students with the opportunity to make better informed decisions regarding their personal relationships. The program also keeps the information current and relevant for my students. I appreciate the program content and the presenters.
Their presenters cultivate a positive, informative and friendly attitude with each class. The youth leaders give my students the role models they need along with curriculum that allows them to make better choices. The students look forward to the presentations and often enter class asking, “Do we get to have the same guest speakers as the last period?” Considering that this ‘enthusiasm’ is generated from 15-17 year olds, AWARE couldn’t ask for a better endorsement.
I definitely endorse this program and its value to my students.
–High School Teacher, Yakima, WA
Their presentations address topics that are foremost on the minds of most teenagers and they provide students with a safe setting to discuss some of the hard issues and temptations that students are facing in our rapidly changing world, and they leave room for forgiveness in instances where students have already made poor choices. I am especially impressed with the SWAT Team, the team of students who speak from their own experiences and dialogue with their same-aged peers to be evidence for them that abstinence is not only possible, but desirable!
–Phil Ball, Youth Pastor, Laurelwood Baptist Church
I am a teacher and have been in the teaching profession for over 30 years. Recently I had the opportunity to have an AWARE speaker come in and speak to my class about many high risk behavoirs associated with sex. This was one of the most engaging presentations I’ve ever heard at the high school level. The speaker was very well prepared and he had the student’s complete attention durng the entire time he was here. The message was clear and concise that so many decisions that high school students make will negatively imipact the rest of their lives. He talked openly about why pornography is dangerous, and the ultimate consequences of this bahavior and future relationships.
This is such an important program in our community. We have the higest teen pregnancy rate, sexually transmitted infections and a community highly impacted by crime, poverty and singe parent families. These students need to hear alternatives to what they so often experience in their home. This program is well organized and highly effective. My students were very fortunate to be able to be a part of these presentations! The AWARE program in Yakima is phenomenal and I would personally like to thank, them for the service they provide in this community.
–High School Teacher, Yakima, WA
I would like to write and say how much we appreciated your recent presentation given to our students at high school. Not only was it up-to-date with meaningful and relevant information, but it was presented in such a way that our students were attentive and engaged during the whole three-hour presentation. In addition, it was done in such a positive manner, that students left the assembly feeling encouraged and hopeful in spite of some pretty dramatic statistics about issues facing today’s teens. I certainly hope that you continue to share your excellent presentation with as many young people as possible. They need to hear your message and the very relevant material that you bring with the AWARE program.
–High School Teacher, Vancouver, WA
It is with great pleasure that I write this letter in support of the Yakima AWARE Program. The information and services they provide for the youth throughout Yakima is invaluable to our community.
I have taught Family and Consumer Sciences for the past four years, and throughout this time, staff from the AWARE program has come into my classroom to educate my students on various topics such as smart sexual decision making, positive life choices, and much more! I am also the director of the on-site cooperative teen parent childcare center and have seen the repercussions of students not being informed about these topics.
I cannot say enough good things about this wonderful program. It has been a pleasure to watch the positive changes in my students by applying the information they learn from the AWARE program.
–High School Teacher, Yakima, WA
The AWARE program is a great addition to any sexual health program. The Foundations program shows the students the benefits of remaining abstinent and making healthy life choices in a way that is non-judgemental. The speakers are engaging and facilitate maximum student participation and learning.
–Middle School Teacher, Camas, WA
It is with great pleasure that I write this letter in support of the Yakima AWARE Program and the “Together We Can” teen parenting curriculum they are implementing. The information and guidance provided by this to pregnant and teen parents throughout Yakima is invaluable to our community and the success of those individuals.
I have taught Family and Consumer Sciences for the past four years and I am also the director of the on-site cooperative teen parent childcare center. I have worked closely with teen parents and have seen the struggles they go through not only academically but and as they navigate daily life and co-parenting. I have seen the negative repercussions of these students not having the information or support necessary to set themselves and their children up for success.
I cannot say enough good things about this wonderful program and I am excited that the AWARE program is offering support and education for teen parents outside of school. I look forward to partner with AWARE as we support teen parents throughout Yakima and offer incentives to participate in extended educational opportunities. It has been a pleasure to watch the positive changes in my students by applying the information they learn from the AWARE program and I look forward to seeing the growth my students will have as they participate in this educational opportunity. I will completely support this program in any way possible through my teen parenting class.
–High School Teacher, Yakima, WA